Editor – Karin Ingram, HawickB&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, ThankertonThe main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time-consuming at this stage to retype).

EditorialOnce again the A&F scene has lost two of its major players. Former ‘Club Supporter of the Year’ James Paterson lost his brave struggle against cancer. The many hundreds of people at his funeral were testament to his popularity and the high regard in which he was held.NAAFC Founder Member and Guest of Honour Jack Cooper passed away just before we went to print.Our sympathies go to the friends and families of both of these gentlemen. Karin Ingram

Shand Morino Gatheringby Heather McLeanThere was a full house for this, the 15th, Shand Morino Gathering at Windygates……………….

Tradstyle 2009 – Saturday 6th June in The Dewar’s Centre, Perthby Ian HutsonOur third year of Tradstyle was held in The Dewar’s Centre in Perth, and it was once again well supported by many enthusiastic listeners, including familiar faces from the band scene. People traveled from far and wide to be part of this event and it was nice to see people returning from previous years. Our host was john Carmichael, and he kept the audience on their toes from start to finish.The Trad Band was first to take the stage. It consisted of Graeme Mitchell, Colin Dewar, Dennis Morrison, Neil McMillan and Ian Hutson playing two swinging sets to get proceedings underway.Following the Trad Band was Hannah Renton, a young fiddler from Aberdeen. Hannah, taught by Judi Nicolson and latterly Douglas Laurence, was accompanied by Dennis Morrison.The entertainment continued with The Kenny Thomson Band from Cumnock. Kenny demonstrated just how accomplished a bandleader and arranger he really is. Following that was Jake Laing from Windygates, Fife. Jake, a pupil of Colin Dewar and grandson of accordionist John Stuart, played some great sets with a very individual style. Great to see the young players up on stage enjoying playing for an enthusiastic audience.Next to take the stage was The Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio. Originally from Iona, Charlie entertained us all with his distinctive 3-row button-box style and, of course, a few stories along the way! Following Charlie and the Boys was Elizabeth MacKenzie from Thurso, again accompanied by Dennis on piano. The Neil Dawson Quartet followed on, comprising Graeme Mitchell (accordion), Duncan Christie (drums) and Dennis Morrison (piano0 taking us up to the interval with some lively jigs and reels.The second half got under way with Ian Cruickshanks and his Band from Kirriemuir. A very distinctive sound, heavily influenced by Sir Jimmy Shand. Next to take the stage was Judi Nicolson. Originally from Banchory, now residing in Houston, Texas, she was accompanied by Violet Tulloch from Shetland. Judi received a great ovation from the audience, and well deserved too. What a talented musician! Then to top it all, Bryan Gear from Shetland joined Judi to finish off. Brilliant stuff!Lynne Christie’s band followed, with Nick Cowling on piano, Duncan Christie on drums, Susan Gordon on fiddle, and Neil McMillan on bass. Swinging 6/8 marches and reels. A solid, tight sound that we’ve come to expect from Lynne.Next to take the stage was George Davidson from Tarves on fiddle. Again accompanied by Dennis. George displayed that youngsters are catching up with the older generation and the latter may need to watch their backs! A brilliant fiddler in the making her.Calum MacLean from Tobermory took stage next with Deirdre Adamson on second accordion, Steven McInnes on drums and Dennis on piano. They played a selection of own compositions and West coast favourites as well as some continental tunes to vary the programme. Brilliant stuff Calum.Bryan Gear from the Shetland Isles was next on fiddle. Accompanied by Violet Tulloch, this accomplished fiddler never fails to please the discerning ear.The final band of this great afternoon was Dennis Morrison and his Ian Powrie Tribute Band, consisting of Alexander Lindsay on 3-row button-box, Judi Nicolson on fiddle, Colin Dewar on second accordion, Neil McMillan on bass and Gus Millar on drums. We were very lucky also to see guesting for two lovely sets, Pam Wilkie on piano. Pam, of course, is a legend from years gone by, having played with some of Scotland’s greatest Scottish Dance Bands.Another great day of traditional music! And once again it was encouraging to see so many talented youngsters who, after all, are the future of Tradstyle.Iain Cathcart’s Band provided the music for the dance, with a great lively programme to keep the dancers happy, with plenty of space for dancing.In 2010 Tradstyle is back in The Salutation Hotel in Perth. The Committee feels that keeping the event central geographically helps everyone to attend, but if you feel that it would be a good idea to move Tradstyle around the country (like perhaps the Trad Awards) feel free to air your views. This is an event for everyone and the more people who have the opportunity to hear these fantastic musicians the better.Thanks again to our MC John Carmichael who hosted proceedings, keeping the audience entertained between performers and helping the afternoon to flow effortlessly.